The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, is approaching the finish line of a major renovation that has transformed its exhibition spaces and upgraded its infrastructure. The latest milestone came on October 30, 2026, with the public opening of At Home in Space, an interactive gallery exploring how humans live and work beyond Earth.
A second new exhibition, Modern Military Aviation, is scheduled to open on November 11, 2026, completing the museum’s seven-year transformation, which began in 2018.
The project has involved redesigning all 20 galleries, renewing the building’s exterior and upgrading its mechanical systems. The final openings also form part of the museum’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.
At Home in Space: Exploring Life Beyond Earth
The new At Home in Space gallery takes visitors through more than five decades of human spaceflight, examining the technology, research and everyday systems that make extended stays in space possible.
One of its central attractions is a walk-through replica of the Destiny module, the US national laboratory aboard the International Space Station. It gives visitors a closer look at the environment in which astronauts conduct experiments and carry out daily activities in orbit.
The exhibition also brings together several significant artefacts, including:
- A space shuttle main engine.
- A flown Extravehicular Mobility Unit spacesuit used for spacewalks.
- Robonaut 1A, an experimental humanoid robot developed for space operations.
- In-flight suits worn by astronauts Guy Bluford and Sally Ride.
- Tools used for DNA sequencing in space and cups designed for drinking in microgravity.
An interactive feature called the Spaceflight Academy Quiz allows visitors to test their knowledge and compete with one another. The gallery combines historic equipment with hands-on learning to explain the challenges of living and working beyond Earth.
Modern Military Aviation to Open on November 11
The second gallery, Modern Military Aviation, is scheduled to open on Veterans Day in the United States, November 11, 2026.
It examines how aviation technology, missile development and automation have influenced military operations, international diplomacy and modern conflict from the Cold War to the present.
Among the collection highlights are the North American F-86 Sabre, the Bell UH-1H Huey helicopter and the General Atomics MQ-1L Predator. The exhibition also looks at the people behind military aviation technologies and how advances in aerospace have reshaped international relations.
Together, the two galleries extend the museum’s coverage from human activity in space to the changing role of aviation in military history.
A Seven-Year Transformation of All 20 Galleries
The renovation began in 2018 and is among the most extensive projects undertaken by the museum. Beyond new exhibitions, the work has included replacing exterior cladding, upgrading mechanical systems and undertaking repairs and improvements throughout the building.
The reopening took place in several stages:
| Opening period | Galleries and facilities |
|---|---|
| October 2022 | Eight new or reimagined galleries, a planetarium, museum store and Mars Café |
| July 2025 | Five additional galleries |
| July 1, 2026 | Five more galleries |
| October 30, 2026 | At Home in Space |
| November 11, 2026 | Modern Military Aviation (scheduled) |
The completed programme will bring all 20 redesigned galleries into public access. The phased approach allowed the museum to continue welcoming visitors while major parts of its exhibition spaces were being renewed.
Museum’s 50th Anniversary Adds to the Celebration
The final gallery openings coincide with the 50th anniversary of the National Air and Space Museum’s building on the National Mall, which first opened to the public on July 1, 1976.
The anniversary programme includes film screenings, lectures, special merchandise and digital offerings. The milestone also provides an opportunity to introduce visitors to the museum’s updated collections and expanded interactive experiences.
Planning a Visit to the National Air and Space Museum
The museum is located at 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC, on the National Mall. Admission is free, but visitors to the Washington museum must obtain timed-entry passes.
| Visitor information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC |
| Opening hours | Daily, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Entry requirement | Timed-entry pass required |
| Closure | December 25 |
The Smithsonian also operates the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport. This separate facility has free admission and does not require timed-entry passes, although parking costs US$15.
For travellers interested in aviation, space exploration and engineering, the museum’s latest galleries offer additional reasons to include Washington, DC, on a cultural and educational itinerary.
